Big Love for Small Art: An Introductory Blog post about the Enchanting World of Indian Miniature Painting

Miniature art is fascinating. It’s intimate and personal. And full of unexpected surprises. Unlike large artworks which require a viewer to step back, miniature art can only be viewed by getting closer and paying undisputed attention to its tiny, perfect details. And only after a viewer has committed herself entirely to the pleasure of a miniature artwork does it reveal it’s astonishing and unparalleled beauty – square inch by square inch.

Artists typically spend months and sometimes years to create a high-quality miniature work. They also cannot afford to make any mistakes – there is simply no space to fix or hide it.  On the other hand, viewer too has to undertake her own journey, go deeper and open her mind to a world of flowing, rhythmical lines and enjoy the sophistication of artist’s subtle details.

Welcome to the spell-binding world of Miniature Art!

Continue reading Big Love for Small Art: An Introductory Blog post about the Enchanting World of Indian Miniature Painting

#AuthenticLuxe : a New Take on Luxury and 12 Great Quotes about Luxury on Your Own Terms

I love luxury. Sadly, it’s easily misunderstood. More often than not, luxury is associated with flaunting wealth, sometimes anti-socialist sentiments, and other times – to my complete despair – an exaggerated and tacky display of money (think : gold commodes).

 Actually luxury is none of the above.

Continue reading #AuthenticLuxe : a New Take on Luxury and 12 Great Quotes about Luxury on Your Own Terms

Raj Mahal Palace : an incredible example of a design-led restoration and the return of Raj splendour

Raj Mahal Palace in Jaipur is fascinating. During its 290 years of existence it’s faded in and out of glory on several occasions and yet, each time bounced back with greater magnificence than ever before. In its most recent avatar it was renovated from a listless hotel to a 14-room ultra luxury boutique property which is fantastical both in terms of its design sensibilities as well as its luxe-value.

The impact of this recent change can only be understood through a comparison with the past. Personally for me, the journey of a designer’s grand vision backed by a hotelier’s impeccable service-standard to bring back the splendour of the by-gone Raj era is just as compelling as its current wow-factor. I who purely by accident have ended by standing witness to this transformation, cannot help but remember the first time I visited Raj Mahal..

Continue reading Raj Mahal Palace : an incredible example of a design-led restoration and the return of Raj splendour